Argentine Paralympian Gustavo Fernandez made history in 2017 when he became the first Latin American wheelchair tennis player to reach number one in men’s singles in a global competition. Since then he has claimed more than a handful of gold medals in international competition.
This past February, when Gustavo attended a major tennis tournament in Buenos Aires, fans let him know just how much they admire him.
“On the screens, they said my name and all the things that I've accomplished in my sport, and the people, there was a standing ovation for me, which means a lot,” he said. “Being able to feel the love of your country and of the people who love tennis, for me, was awesome.”
Family of champions
Growing up, Gustavo’s dad played professional basketball, inspiring Gustavo, who suffered a spinal cord injury when he was 18 months old, to compete in sports. There was basketball, golf, swimming and athletics. But wheelchair tennis stuck.
“I've always loved sports, but tennis hooked me. From the moment I saw it, I was enchanted,” he said.
The London 2012 Paralympic Games — where the whole world was watching — was a pivotal moment in his career.
“It was unbelievable being able to be with the other athletes, to know their different realities,” he said. “For me, London was a very special Paralympic Games — the first time is always special. I will remember it forever.”
More than a game
Gustavo joins more than 100 elite-level athletes as part of Team Visa. Visa is an official sponsor of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and supports athletes along their journey to the Games. Since London, Gustavo has competed in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games this summer.
“For me, sports is so much more than a game. It has given me the chance to do what I love and live through experiences, good and bad, that have made me open my mind and grow as a person,” he said.
And while his sights are set on gold, ultimately, competing is much more than just winning.
“We play to win, so I don’t take away the importance of winning,” he said. “But after all these years, what I've learned is that the feeling of winning doesn’t last long, and it’s best to enjoy the process.”
Fighting for a dream
With family as his “rock,” Gustavo heads to the Paralympic Games with a close-knit circle of supporters rooting for him: his girlfriend of 14 years, a trainer who’s known him since he was 12 and a physical therapist who has supported his athletic journey since he was just 3 years old.
“For me, everything starts with a dream, a desire, combined with the skills, the motivation, the discipline and the desire to work hard and be better every day, and then to be surrounded by the right people who help you grow,” he said.
Ready to show the world his power on the court, Gustavo is focused on realizing his ultimate dream.
“I want to fight for the gold,” he said. “There are great players right now and it will take a lot of good performance and good mental strength. But I want to aim for the gold.”